When most people think “Jersey Shore,” they think of the boardwalk and 130 miles of oceanfront beaches stretching from Sandy Hook to Cape May. But New Jersey is home to another kind of Shore experience that’s also packed with lots of waterside fun. Across the state, there are roughly 1,700 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and miles of freshwater beaches. That means there’s plenty of swimming, boating, fishing, and paddling fun to be had—and none of it requires a trip to the beach. Whether you’re craving an easy swim minus the waves, an afternoon of tubing or kayaking, or some stand-up paddleboarding, these lakes deliver all that and more.
Before you head out, here’s what to know about swimming, park access, and planning your day at New Jersey’s state park lakes:
- Arrive early — parks open at 8 a.m. and fill quickly. Once they reach capacity, they close for the day. Weekdays are less crowded.
- Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty, usually Wednesday through Sunday. Check the swimming schedule online before you go.
- Admission is per carload — residents pay $5–$6 weekdays, $10 weekends; non-residents and oversized vehicles pay double. Annual park passes save money if you plan to make multiple trips.
- All parks have partial accessibility for people with disabilities. Check individual park websites or call for details.
- You can use designated charcoal grill areas, and pack a picnic but alcohol or smoking is not permitted.
- Only Coast Guard-approved life jackets are permitted.
- Restrooms, showers, changing areas, first aid and concession stands that sell food and supplies are available at all the locations we’ve highlighted here.
- Bring trash bags — most parks require you to carry out your garbage.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, you’re ready to explore some of the most beautiful and family-friendly lakes in New Jersey!
Cheeseburger in Paradise!
Lake Hopatcong, Hopatcong State Park, Hopatcong
What Makes it Special
A day at New Jersey’s largest lake has a resort vibe that Jimmy Buffett would approve of. Cool off with a swim, paddle across the lake in a kayak or canoe, or spend the day in a boat. Landlubbers have lots of great options for dinner plus live music, hiking, and miniature golf. And for those who crave an adrenaline rush, private companies offer lake experiences like tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding.
If swimming is your main goal, head for Lake Hopatcong State Park before it opens at 8 am to stake your spot in the sand. You’ll have to wait until the lifeguards come on duty to swim, but it’s worth it. Once the park is filled it closes to new visitors for the day. Pack a picnic lunch or bring burgers to barbecue. There are two playgrounds and a playing field perfect for Frisbee, soccer, or wiffle ball. For an extra fee, kayaks, canoes, and boats can be launched nearby. Fishing is also allowed.
For free fun, Liffy Island might be Lake Hopatcong’s best-kept secret. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can reach the island from the James Leach Boardwalk Trail; the entrance is in Prospect Point Park. The lake views are fantastic, but no swimming is allowed. Castle Cove, which is inland, has mini golf and other onshore fun, including an arcade, snack bar, and gemstone and rock mining.
Traveling from a distance and don’t want to worry about the park reaching capacity? Consider the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” boat tour from Lake Hopatcong Cruises. For a more action-packed adventure, the expert boat operators and instructors at Watersport Experience NJ take visitors out on the lake for swimming, tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and wake surfing. Tubing followed by ice cream at Main Lake Market is a win every time!
For other fun lakeside eats, check out The Beacon at West Shore Marine or the live music and stunning lake views at Alice’s Restaurant.
Pro tip:
- Booking with a private tour company guarantees lake time.
For a Standout Day at the Lake, Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding!
Lake Wawayanda, Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt
What Makes it Special
Looking to escape the city crowds and summer heat during the dog days of summer—and bring your dog? Tucked away in the forested hills inside Wawayanda State Park are the white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters of Lake Wawayanda. Close to the New York State border and about a 75-minute drive from Manhattan, the lake beach is all about sun and serenity.
For those who prefer water sports, the privately owned Flatwater Paddle Co. is on site and offers stand-up paddleboard rentals for the entire family. Lakes are flat water venues, protected from wind and waves, making it easier for beginners to learn to paddle. There are no age restrictions, but children must have a life vest that fits properly and be accompanied by an adult. Parents can share a paddleboard with a child provided their combined weight does not exceed the maximum of 220 pounds.
Flatwater Paddle Co. is also dog-friendly! Leashed dogs aren’t allowed on the swimming beach, but they can paddleboard. (Fun fact: Flatwater Paddle Co. has had many canine clients and one brave cat.) All equipment is included but you must bring your dog’s own life vest. Lessons are available for an extra fee. For the ultimate in family togetherness, the 22-foot-long dragon board accommodates four people. Walk-ups are welcome but advance, online reservations are recommended. Proof of a Flatwater reservation gets visitors into the park even if it reaches capacity. Flatwater also offers on-site kayak rentals and operates a kiosk at Lake Atsion as well.
Hiking, canoeing, biking, and fishing—the lake is known for its largemouth bass—are other popular activities at Lake Wawayanda. There is a boat launch area for privately owned boats and watercraft. Check the website for guidelines.
Pro tips:
- Lake Wawayanda is one of the few East Coast locations stocked with landlocked salmon, a freshwater species.
- Pack plenty of food and snacks for the day. There aren’t many restaurants nearby.
Steeped in History and Pinelands
Lake Atsion, Wharton State Forest, Hammonton
What Makes it Special
History, nature, and lake-day vibes come together at Atsion Lake, where you can swim, paddle through the Pinelands, and step back in time at Batsto Village. All are located in Wharton State Forest, the largest single tract of land in the New Jersey Park System, comprising 122,800 acres of Pinelands.
With a white sandy beach and unique reddish-brown water known as “cedar water,” Atsion Lake has all the amenities of New Jersey’s other state parks. The lake was created in the late 1700s by damming off part of the Mullica River to provide waterpower for an iron ore forge.
Besides swimming when lifeguards are on duty, there’s fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. Flatwater Paddle Co. operates a kiosk for stand-up paddleboard rentals at Lake Atsion and accepts walk-ups and advance online reservations.
For an action-packed day on the lake, Pinelands Adventures has a “Pine Barrens Discovery Tour” at nearby Goshen Pond, which leaves and returns by bus from Pinelands Adventures’ headquarters. The three-and-a-half-hour tour includes a nature walk and kayaking to learn about brown cedar water, Atlantic Cedar swamps, and the park’s lakes and rivers. Seining (to catch fish by dragging a net through shallow water) lets the kids get up close and personal with the critters below the water’s surface. Pairing an adult and child in a two-person kayak is recommended. Weekdays are best for this adventure.
Batsto Village was once the site of the Batsto Iron Works, which produced cannonballs, camp kettles, and other critical iron components for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The Visitor Center, which houses The Museum and Exhibit Gallery, is a good place to begin a tour. There’s also a library and one of the oldest operating post offices in the United States. Guided tours of the Batsto Mansion are available for a fee.
After a day of paddling and hiking, refuel with burgers, tacos, and wings at Boondocks Market and Grill in Sweetwater At Mighty Joe’s Deli and Grill in Shamong, you can grab a sandwich, take a selfie with a 2.5-foot gorilla statue, and fill up your car’s tank with gas.
Pro tip:
- Avoid wearing white or light-colored swimsuits. The reddish-brown water is safe but may discolor clothing.
A Wilderness Close to Home!
Round Valley Recreation Area, Lebanon
What Makes it Special
Swimming, hiking, fishing, and diving. Round Valley Recreation Area has everything you need for a marathon day of summer fun: a soft sandy beach, mountain views, family-friendly trails, and crisp blue water—it’s beautiful! It’s also New Jersey’s largest reservoir and second deepest lake (180 ft.) and the only park in New Jersey that offers wilderness camping. Civilization seems far away on the lake beach located at the lake’s south shore.
Near the large swimming beach, there are two playgrounds and a volleyball court. Picnic lunches are allowed on the beach and there’s an area close by for barbequing on one of the park’s charcoal grills. Nearby trees and covered picnic tables offer plenty of shade and an escape from the midday sun and heat.
After lunch, to extend the break from the sun and water, take a hike. The Family Hike & Bike Trail at Round Valley (marked white) is close to the swimming beach. The loop trail is only .7 miles long through a pine forest. It’s relatively flat, perfect for young children and bird watchers, and easily accessible from the South Parking Lot. Plan ahead by packing appropriate hiking gear along with insect repellant.
If fishing and underwater diving are your preferred summer activities, Round Valley has got you covered in that department, too. Known for its trout, bass, and perch, anglers can fish from the shore or a boat in designated areas. It’s also the only park in New Jersey to offer SCUBA diving to certified divers. The crystal-clear water makes it a favorite spot.
For reasonably priced dining after a day at the lake, try Lucky Chip Burger or Spinning Wheel Diner, both nearby in Lebanon.
Pro tip:
- The lake and beach are known for windy conditions. Consider bringing a sand anchor for beach umbrellas.
How to Be An Insider at Greenwood Lake
The Greenwood Lake Experience (access to Greenwood Lake), Hewitt
What Makes it Special
Approximately seven miles long and covering 1,920 acres, Greenwood Lake straddles the border of West Milford, New Jersey, and Warwick, New York. It features three islands—Fox (aka Pine), Chapel, and Storms—and in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a vacation destination for celebrities like Greta Garbo, Babe Ruth, and Cecil B. DeMille. More recently, New York Yankee Derek Jeter and his family had a vacation home on the New York side.
These days, access to Greenwood Lake is limited to residents and property owners. There are no public beaches or boat launches, but you can enjoy access thanks to The Greenwood Lake Experience, which gives visitors an opportunity to be insiders for the day. The experience features a water park, boat rental, and activities like water skiing and wakeboarding. Their water park with a floating Ninja-style course and inflatable obstacles can be booked privately during the week from 9 am to 9 pm (there’s a 10-person minimum) and is open to the public on weekends from 1-7 pm. The cost is $25 per person per hour. Visitors can bounce, race, slide, and splash, then break for lunch at the nearby sandy beach.
The water park admission can be packaged with a private cabana rental. Private cabanas, featuring semi-private decks, bathrooms, mini fridges, and lounge seating, can be booked separately or as part of a boat charter rental.
For post-lake casual dining, try Paul’s Place in Hewitt. It’s got an old-timey vibe and a kids’ menu. D’Boathaus Restaurant, also in Hewitt, is a pricier option, but it offers lake views and a more extensive menu.
Pro tips:
- Greenwood Lake is a great option for those without a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate or a boating endorsement on an auto driver’s license. Both are required to rent a boat without a captain.
Great Little Watering Hole for Young Kids and New Swimmers!
Hooks Creek Lake, Cheesequake State Park, Matawan
What Makes it Special
Hooks Creek Lake at Cheesequake State Park covers six acres and has a maximum depth of about eight feet. It’s much smaller than New Jersey’s other lakes, but it’s also more manageable for parents with young children and less experienced swimmers.
Bring along pails, buckets, and other sand toys to build castles and sculpt mermaids on the beach! Play eye spy and look for wildlife—there are more than 160 bird species like ospreys, Bald Eagles, and pelicans; and eastern painted turtles like to sun themselves on logs. Near the swimming beach there’s a playground and the Crabbing Bridge, where you can drop a line to try to catch blue claw crabs.
For those who prefer to spend a day on the water, there’s a boat launch for small cartop boats (electric motors only), canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Other park activities include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and crabbing.
Cheesequake is the only New Jersey park where the northern hardwood forest meets a southern pine barrens ecosystem at sea level. Learn more about park wildlife and history at the Interpretive Center located near the trailheads. Bring insect repellent! The park’s salt marshes attract mosquitoes.
To grab a bite to eat afterwards, The Original Big Ed’s BBQ offers all-you-can-eat ribs and a kids’ menu; and Panini Bistro has subs, burgers, paninis, and salads. Panini Bistro is in Matawan, while Big Ed’s is in nearby Old Bridge.
Pro tip:
- Bring along a clean, soft-bristle paintbrush. It works wonders for sweeping dry sand off little feet and sand toys.
Blue Holes: What are they and what makes them treacherous places to swim?
A blue hole is a large depression in the ground, extending below sea level, and filled with water a striking shade of blue that is alluring but also potentially deadly. Blue holes can be either fresh or salt water and can form from natural springs, or be human-made as in the case of abandoned mines and quarries.
Don’t be fooled by the enticing aqua blue water! Several drownings have happened at blue holes, underscoring the urgent need for caution. Any unguarded body of water is dangerous to swimmers; however, blue holes are particularly hazardous due to:
- Sudden drop-offs: These steep and disorienting underwater cliffs can plunge rapidly from shallow to dangerous depths in seconds.
- Thermoclines: Sudden temperature changes can cause muscle cramps or cold-water shock for swimmers. Swimmers who overestimate their stamina and are unaware of how cold the water is can quickly find themselves in danger.
- Unstable banks: Hidden debris, muddy or collapsing banks, and strong currents can make self-rescue difficult.
- Poor water quality: Some blue holes have stagnant water with harmful bacteria that is dangerous if swallowed. Others can be low in oxygen (hypoxic) or contain dangerous gases such as hydrogen sulfide.
Under N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.20, swimming is strictly prohibited in unguarded natural waters—including lakes, ponds, and blue holes—within New Jersey’s state parks and wildlife management areas.
While New Jersey has several blue holes in various locations including The Pine Lands, The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued repeated warnings that swimming in unguarded state-managed areas is both illegal and extremely dangerous.
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